MPAA's Double Standard: It's Allowed To Copy Movies

from the fair-use-is-okay-for-those-in-power dept

This very well might be a publicity stunt, as the Motion Picture Association of America accuses, but even if that's the case there are some worthwhile points in the fact that the MPAA is now being accused of making unauthorized copies of a movie. The movie in question is the documentary "This Film Is Not Yet Rated," which has already received plenty of publicity for its look behind the scenes at the MPAA rating process. The MPAA's response (other than calling it a publicity stunt) suggests the double standard it holds. They seem to feel that, because they're the MPAA, different rules apply: "We made a copy of Kirby's movie because it had implications for our employees." Funny, but we don't think that excuse would work for anyone sued by the MPAA for copying a movie themselves. As the article points out, the MPAA's own website very clearly states: "Manufacturing, selling, distributing or making copies of motion pictures without the consent of the copyright owners is illegal... Movie pirates are thieves, plain and simple... ALL forms of piracy are illegal and carry serious legal consequences." Also, this is the same group that was allowed to go into schools and tell children "if you haven't paid for it, you've stolen it." What about fair use? Well, Jack Valenti, head of the MPAA for many years, used to famously say that fair use does not exist. Apparently, he meant for other people.

Reader Comments

Well Isn't that Shocking!

I'm assuming given the nature of the people that actually are interested in the politics and technological implications involved, that most postings here will agree with Zappa and myself.

The MPAA and RIAA will continue to abuse and alienate evryone as long as it means more C.R.E.A.M. for them. I find it interesting and disgusting that these monopolistic orgainizations continue to get away with pretending to be government sanctioned regulatory groups. They have all the qualities of the former and no real politician seems to object.

Armies of lawyers prove that Justice can be perverted by money, as they continue to try to instill fear upon the public. Someone there must realize that fear is an excellent method of control over the average John and Jane Doe.

Failing to react to changing technology, these groups simply serve to retain the assets of corporate fatcats, whom have already been found guilty in the past (remember the price-fixing class action lawsuit?)

I'd like to see someone in politics who is willing to take on these clear violations of anti-trust laws, including these groups, and also the re-emergence of the "Mah Bell" style communication companies, and of course, above all, the unmentionable corporate Giant that rules over the world of operating systems. (Hint: It starts with an M.)

When can we get our rights as consumers back, just like when they broke up the Bell monopoly?

Might as well plead the 5th in advance, fellow readers... someday you might want to make a copy of the Operating System that you bought for several hundred dollars and put it in a firesafe in case your house burns down, but for now, you don't have the right.